Letter to Members
May 8, 2020
Dear Members of AVMHA:
In these times of uncertainty and a constantly changing social and cultural landscape, we felt it was important to keep you up to date on what has been happening with AVMHA.
The Executive Committee has continued to meet monthly via video and phone conference and is striving to plan well for what we hope will be a normal start to the 2020/21 season. There are a few important points on which we want to keep you informed.
Annual General Meeting – Clearly in these times, it is not possible to meet physically for an AGM. Normally, we would have our AGM in May each year. We do, however, need to be able to “gather” enough of our membership to vote on incoming Executive Members. This year is especially important as we are adding in three new Directors at Large (C, D & E) and look forward to having more members around the table. We will also be taking nominations and filling the spots for Vice President, Secretary, and Director at Large B. We also have numerous Management Committee spots to fill and look forward to talking to members who are interested in participating in that way. VIAHA has postponed their AGM and is looking for a solution to meet all the requirements. We are awaiting their decision, which will help us get some direction on how to proceed. As always, membership will receive 30 days notice of our AGM.
Registration for 2020/21 season – We know there are still a number of unanswered questions on what the future holds. Rest assured, we have been actively involved with bi-weekly virtual BC Hockey operations meetings, and in that, have heard from and been able to collaborate with MHA’s all over BC. Even though things are changing almost daily, we need to be as prepared as we can to start our 2020/21 season. To that end, registrations will be open on our website June 1 with early registration costs extended to August 31. Further, AVMHA has recently launched a new TeamSnap website which will be integrated with the new online registrations program, creating a more streamlined system. The partnership between TeamSnap and Hockey Canada began a few years ago and we had a soft start last year. Of course, with any new system we expect there will be a few bumps, however, information will be coming shortly which will prepare everyone and provide clear instruction prior to the go live date.
Coaching Applications – Around this time of year, we are usually starting the process of seeking coaches for our competitive teams for the upcoming season. This is also going to be delayed until such a time as coaching applicants can meet with the selection committee in person. We feel that for the selection committee to make the best possible choices, a face-to-face meeting is in the best interest of everyone. As soon as we are told by the provincial leadership that meeting in person is permitted, we will announce that we are taking applications and plans will be made for interviews to commence.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this constantly shifting landscape. Our greatest hope during this time is for health and wellness for all our AVMHA membership families. We are in constant dialogue about how to proceed and what changes may need to be made to get skates on the ice at the earliest possible date.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns,
Andrea Massop
Secretary, AVMHA